Summary:
Summer, love, looming storms...
Notes:
That was all very fluffy, but 7th Year is going to be one hell of a year and I wanted to give them some happy memories! Hope it wasn't too boring! And apologies for the ridiculous length once again, lol! I got carried away, as usual…
Note: If anyone is interested in listening to the songs in this chapter, I've included the links here:
(1) WILD ROVER No, Nay, Never IRISH SONG - YouTube
(2) The Dubliners & The Pogues - The Irish Rover [Audio Stream] - YouTube
(3) "Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag (And Smile ... - YouTube
(4) Nina Simone: Lilac Wine - YouTube
(5) The Kinks- Dedicated Follower Of Fashion - YouTube
(6) The Kinks - You Really Got Me (Official Audio) - YouTube
Thunder
"Is there no end to your brilliance?" James said, threading his fingers through her vivid, sunset hair, his chin resting on her head.
They were lying together on the warm grass in the Potter's walled garden, the only sound the playful fountain and the bees buzzing sleepily over fragranced lavender and honeysuckle and white jasmine (not that they had noticed, heady with the arousing scent of coconut and vetiver).
"In what way?" Lily asked, snuggling her face closer to his chest. She wanted to stay there forever, he felt so warm and strong, she could feel the steady beat of his heart. She breathed in vetiver and wood fire and thought nothing could ever go wrong.
"You, chatting to Remus last night. I could have begged him to wear those leather pants all day and he'd have refused point blank! Even if I offered to pay him! But you somehow got him to do it and to see that his crush wasn't one sided."
He sounded in awe of her, and Lily laughed into his t-shirt. James was certain he would never tire of hearing that laugh – so spontaneous, joyful, with a hint of mischief and teasing, and tenderness. She only laughed like that with him.
"It was easy," she said, her eyes still closed, her fingers tracing patterns on his chest and down his arms.
"You're a genius!" his low voice murmured in her ear, and she could feel that he was smiling. "I've never seen them looking happier. And you helped make this happen, caused all this happiness…"
She smiled, lifting her head up to look at him then and caught the intensity of his gaze. She could feel his heart beating faster against her own, synchronising.
"Lily," he said, his hands gently lifting her with ease, so her face was closer to his.
"James," she said, lifting herself up onto her hands, and bending down to kiss him.
It was an overwhelming feeling, kissing James Potter on the grass. Something sparked when their lips met, the kiss deepened, and she wanted him to know how much she loved him and how much she wanted him, and she was sure he loved her and wanted her just as much.
"James," she said softly, breathlessly, gripping his hair, touching his lips again – softly, barely, feeling too much.
"Lily," he said, more urgently this time, kissing her passionately, his warm hands moving down her back, pressing her closer to him.
Lightening flashed across the darkening sky and seconds later answering thunder rolled ominously close. Large drops of rain fell onto the grass and leaves, and onto Lily's back, as she continued kissing James. The rain turned heavy, torrential, the sound loud and rhythmic against the roof of the outhouse.
"Come with me, to the coast?" James said, still kissing her.
"Are you joking? Where?" she laughed, her long hair dripping onto his face.
"To the South Downs, it's not far, we can apparate!" he said with his infectious grin. "The Seven Sisters Cliffs and the beach beside the lighthouse. I want to swim in the sea with you."
"We're in the middle of a thunderstorm, Potter!" she objected half-heartedly, kissing his neck.
"What's life without a little risk?" he replied, his smile broadening as he kissed her back hungrily.
…..
The waves crashed against the shore, white horses echoing the colour of the iconic cliff face towering above. Sheets of rain fell into the sea, the landscape a leaky watercolour where grey sky and sea merged. Surrounded by the foam and surge of currents, thunder and lightning playing in the background on a gigantic cinema screen. She had never felt so alive, shivering violently, laughing and coughing and ducking her head back underwater to toss her long hair behind her.
"You're beautiful," he called out above the din, swimming towards her.
His hazel eyes were glowing, and his t-shirt stuck to his chest, and his hair more chaotic than she had thought possible. And his smile, so warm and fond and radiating happiness. She swam towards him laughing, and he thought she might have been a mermaid, with dark auburn waves following her, impossible green liquid eyes, a small smattering of freckles on her cheekbones after the hot summer, her yellow sundress clinging to her. Her face emerged from underneath the waves right in front of him, and she placed her two hands on his broad shoulders, savouring the heat from his body, staring into his eyes, steadily and unwavering.
"What?" he said quietly.
She traced the drops of rain on his cheek.
"Your eyelashes are impossibly long," she said, wetting her lips.
"Oh. You…" he replied, somewhat incoherently, trying to keep his eyes from looking at the sundress, the straps of which had slipped down.
He watched as her eyes focused on his salt-water swollen lips.
"James Fleamont Potter," she said. "I love you."
She shivered against him and he thought he might burst with it all, her pale skin and her coral lips, the sea and sky an artichoke grey and her eyes almost teal in this light, like seeing colours for the first time. And the look on her face as she rose out of the water.
"I love you, Lily Evans," he said, never as sure of anything in his life, bending down to kiss her.
The air was heavy. He could taste the salt on her lips and skin and he held her tight, refusing to let the waves part them, the electrical storm forgotten.
…
"There you are, Dear!" said Euphemia Potter, smiling as she took in James and Lily's sodden clothes and chattering teeth.
She muttered a few heating charms and they smiled back gratefully, so taken with each other that the idea of using magic had quite escaped them.
"Yes James, be a deer, and open your post!" said Sirius smirking at him from where he lay lounging on the sofa, his head resting on Remus' lap and legs draped over the armrest.
Remus snorted without looking up from his book.
"Oh deer, is Sirius being annoying again? He's like a dog with a bone sometimes," he said drily, lifting his eyes for a second to glance at his boyfriend.
"Yes," said Mia looking momentarily confused. "You've had an owl from Albus Dumbledore and I'd like to know what it's about."
"What?" said James looking immediately guilty. "I haven't done anything. Well, not that I can remember anyway!"
Sirius snorted loudly.
"I wouldn't count on it, Mum!" he said, looking sceptically at Mrs. Potter. "If it wasn't for my good example and restraining influence, he'd be getting those on a weekly basis!"
Lily burst out laughing and shook her head at Sirius.
"Oh yes, Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes, I couldn't agree more!"
"Don't mind him, James," said Peter grinning. "We won't rat on you to your parents, don't worry!"
This time both Sirius and Remus snorted loudly. Mia's eyes swept the room and she pursed her lips together.
"Well it's not like I've been a complete angel since I started in Hogwarts, is it?" said James, smiling innocently at his mother. "Yet you still love me!"
"As long as it's not a howler," replied Mia, calmly pushing a reluctant James through to the Library and closing the door behind them.
"And as long as it's not some bad news concerning that Voldemort fellow," she added more quietly, looking at her son with a worried frown.
…
"You alright?" Lily asked, walking over to him as soon as she saw James' face.
He sat on the edge of the fountain, playing with the jet of cool water that splashed from the lion cub's mouth. Sirius had spotted him as well and jogged over immediately, followed by Remus and Peter.
"Well, go on then, what is it?" he asked briskly. "I'll send that idiot Dumbles a howler myself if he's being a dickhead, after everything that happened to you last year! He should be fucking apologising to you and your family for not doing enough to keep you safe, the old fart!"
James laughed and ran his fingers through his hair self-consciously.
"Nothing too bad, and some great news too. Firstly, Evans, you're Head Girl!" he said, looking at her proudly.
"Ha! Knew it!" said Sirius triumphantly, high-fiving Lily and smiling at her in delight. "Didn't you tell me only last week you thought Lily'd make a great Head Girl?"
"Yeah, I did," said James, grinning at Lily and pulling her into a tight hug that deteriorated into twirling her round and round as she screamed.
"Put me down, Potter!" she yelled, pummelling his back and laughing giddily.
"Of course, Evans," said James eventually setting her down lightly. "Must obey orders from the new Head Girl!"
Lily rolled her eyes and laughed again.
"You better believe it, Potter!"
"Oh, I think he'd quite enjoy being bossed around by you!" said Sirius, wagging his eyebrows suggestively at them.
"Don't worry, I'll be bossing all you lot around too, Sirius!" she winked cheerfully as Sirius' face fell.
"Brilliant news, Lily!" said Remus and Peter enthusiastically.
Peter was delighted with the news. It wouldn't hurt to be friends with one of the pupils who would wield the most power in the school, and the most influence with the teachers. And if they managed to get a few favours and special concessions from Lily, even better. He certainly hoped so.
"Cheers!" said Lily, pleased to see how supportive the boys were.
"I think this calls for a celebration, old thing!" said Sirius, who had regained his enthusiasm. "I say we plan a midnight feast beside a campfire by the sea, with plenty of booze and tents and whatnot?"
Lily's face fell.
"I'm meant to be going home today," said Lily, eyeing the boys regretfully.
"Bollox!" said Sirius loudly, confidently squeezing her shoulder. "I'll have a word with mum and if she can't persuade your parents to let you stay an extra day, I'll eat my hat."
"Or rather, James' orange monstrosity, to be precise," said Remus.
Lily burst out laughing despite herself as she caught James' scandalised look from the corner of her eye.
"You love that hat!" he insisted, crossing his arms in a huff.
"You're beautiful, with or without that hat," she smiled cheekily, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss him.
"You're laughing at me," he said, pretending to be cross.
"Yes, I am! Head Girls are allowed laugh at their silly boyfriends," she answered, as he kissed her back.
"Ugh! Get a room!" said Sirius, slipping his arm around Remus' waist, unable to keep himself from touching his new boyfriend at every available opportunity.
"Cauldron, kettle, Black," Peter snorted at him, earning himself a laugh.B
"What was the other piece of news, Prongs?" asked Remus, who was looking radiant as he slipped his hand into Sirius' back pocket and leaned into him.
"Oh yeah, that," James laughed apologetically, finally looking Sirius in the eyes. "I think it's a mistake but…"
He reached into his pocket and handed Sirius a scrunched-up parchment.
"What the hell?" said Sirius, sounding horrified. "You're Head Boy?"
James' cheeks burned red and he shook his head, as Remus took the letter from Sirius.
"I told you, I'm sure it's a mistake," he said.
"It's not a mistake James, read it again," said Remus kindly. "Dumbledore specifically explains why he picked you, despite reservations from some teachers. And he says Minnie wholeheartedly approved."
"He shouldn't have picked me, he had plenty of other choices," James said.
"Like who, exactly?" replied Remus, raising his brows. "The Slytherin prefects are probable Death-Eaters-in-the-making, the Ravenclaw prefects are female, so that's them all ruled out. The male Hufflepuff prefect is charming but he's way too socially anxious to manage that role. I have my furry little problem, so I was never in contention…"
"You should have been!" Sirius, Peter, James and Lily exclaimed simultaneously.
"Don't be dense!" said Remus angrily.
"Correct, old chap," said Sirius, changing tack. "You're far too dangerous to take on the role of Head Boy. Good Godric, imagine the utter chaos that could ensue if your criminal level of prank-mastery got out of hand without anyone keeping tabs on you? You'd soon take over the entire school, and sack Dumbledore before he was even dimly aware of the threat!"
"Prank-mastery?" said Remus, trying to hold back a laugh.
"Prank-fucking-mastery," said Sirius, looking at Remus adoringly
"I can't even," began Remus, rolling his eyes with amusement at Sirius' passionate ramblings.
"I can!" said Sirius, arching his brow. "I'm inclined to agree with Dumbledore, for once, bloody good show! You'll make a great Head Boy, Prongs!"
"Steady on!" laughed James ruefully.
He definitely didn't deserve it, for one. Nobody could argue that. And there was a large part of him that wanted to rebel, to enjoy his last chance at pranks and dares, before real life kicked in. To let rip at some bastard if they deserved it. Not to have to set an example for the whole school, and restrain himself.
And then it hit him. Lily. She was going to be a target. Plenty of families would be horrified that a muggleborn had been given that prestigious role, someone who was known for having successfully fought off Death-Eaters (even if the exact nature of that encounter remained a mystery). It was less than a decade since muggleborns had been forced to sit in segregated carriages on the Hogwarts Express. If he was Head Boy, he would spend more time with her, try to keep her safe.
"Shut up, Potter," said Lily fiercely. She pulled him towards her for a heated kiss, taking him completely by surprise. When James pulled back for breath, he could hardly speak.
"Merlin, Lily!" was all he managed, as the other three laughed at him uproariously.
"James, you're going to be an excellent Head Boy. You're brave and honest, most people trust and respect you, they already know you're a great leader. And you are so optimistic and positive, that's exactly what Hogwarts needs right now! And I can't think of anyone I'd prefer to work with as Head Girl," Lily said.
She looked like she was daring anyone to contradict her.
"Yeah," said James, winking at her. "I'm going to enjoy working with you too!"
"Speaking of which, I need your help in practising some Celebratory Snogging," she said lightly. "Never too early to start Head Boy duties, Potter."
"Absolutely. Thoroughly agree," James said, looking dazed, as he placed his arms around her waist. "I suspect I could do with some practice."
"I suspect you could," said Lily, wrapping her arms around his neck. "And I like to be very thorough when I'm practicing."
"Merlin's pants!" said Peter, mildly horrified. "I think this is our cue to leave!"
"Wormy, I've got a funny feeling you're going to be saying that a lot this year!" laughed Sirius, his eyes straying to catch the sly grin on Remus' face.
…
"And it's no, nay, never,
No, nay, never, no more,
Will I play the wild rover
No, never no more"(1)
As the five voices finished singing hoarsely, there were whistles of encouragement for Peter who finished off his strumming with a flourish and a bow.
"Bravo, old chap!" shouted Sirius, waving his bottle of firewhisky in Peter's direction. "Hey, Evans, we need more suitable Irish folksongs, to mourn the passing of Prongs the Marauder!"
They were sitting around the large campfire, faces reflecting the warm orange glow. Remus and Lily sat leaning against each other, occasionally stoking the fire. James sat between Sirius and Peter, his arms around both their shoulders and a bottle of muggle beer in his left hand, looking directly out to sea.
"I'm not fucking…" James waved his arm vaguely in Sirius' direction. "Alright?"
"That's horse manure, Prongs!" said Sirius, frowning slightly. "You're damned well…"
He motioned with his hand, up and down, in front of James and shook his head sadly.
"That doesn't…" said James, a look of concentration on his face, flinging out his right arm as though emphasising a point. "Oops, sorry Wormy!"
Peter gave him a dig with his guitar.
"It does though, old thing, it does!" said Sirius, nodding sagely. "More music, Evans, the wake must go on!"
"Are they always…?" she asked Remus, smiling at two black haired boys.
"Always," he said, smiling at them fondly. "Fucking inseparable, and I dunno, they must be blood brothers."
"They are now," said Lily, smiling at Remus. "Although I think Sirius is quite inseparable from you, actually!"
Remus laughed, as though brushing it off, but Lily could see the joy lighting up his features, she couldn't recall ever seeing him look so handsome, and whole. James was right.
"Evans!" Sirius called again. "More trad songs, Evans! Are you a real Marauder or not, eh?"
"I thought I had been kicked out of the gang for the same reason as Potter?" she called back.
"Forgot!" said Sirius morosely, clinking his bottle with Peter's.
"My commiserations!" said Peter, hiccupping loudly.
"Alright so, The Irish Rover?" said Lily, as Peter nodded.
"We had sailed seven years when the measles broke out
And the ship lost its way in the fog
And that whale of a crew was reduced down to two
Just meself and the captain's old dog
Then the ship struck a rock, oh Lord what a shock
The bulkhead was turned right over
Turned nine times around, and the poor old dog was drowned
I'm the last of the Irish Rover" (2)
Lily and Sirius had jumped up for the last verse and were flying around the campfire, as the others clapped in time to the music, as though they had danced to this jig on countless occasions.
"Good show!" called James, amid rousing applause, walking over at the end and clapping Sirius on the shoulders. "Pads, you old dog!"
Lily looked quizzically at them as the other boys groaned at James and burst out laughing.
"It will be seven damned years of putting up with you lot, by the time we're finished in Hogwarts!" laughed Sirius.
"So if you're the dog, who would be the last man standing, if things went haywire?" asked Peter laughing.
"Remus, definitely!" said Sirius. "He's such a clever bastard he always manages to find a way out of trouble, I'd bet my last knut on it!"
Remus watched Sirius gazing at him with such a relieved and rapt expression – it took his breath away. It occurred to him suddenly that Sirius – beautiful, impulsive, tempestuous, daring Sirius - would likely be one of the first to die if they found themselves involved in the war. He shivered violently.
"A toast – to the Marauders!" said Remus, giving Peter a hand up and walking over to join the others.
He locked eyes with Sirius and kissed his forehead softly.
"Here's to not losing our way in the fog and steering clear of rocks!"
"I'll second that!" said Sirius, smiling at him, unaware of what Remus was thinking.
They raised their bottles in the air as one.
"To the Marauders!"
…
"So, we sang for Lily and James, the swotty Heads, yeah?" said Sirius, curling up to rest his head on Remus' lap. "What song would you pick for the start of Seventh Year, Moony?"
Remus gazed at his shining eyes and shining hair and thought about war and his furry little problem and how soon Sirius might tire of him.
He turned to Peter.
"A song from the Great War might fit best, Wormy. Pack Up Your Troubles?"
Peter shrugged and began strumming.
"Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile
While you've a lucifer to light your fag *
Smile, boys, that's the style!
What's the use of worrying?
It never was worthwhile
So pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag
And smile, smile, smile"(3)
"I can't believe you picked a song with fag in it!" snorted Sirius, taking a drag from his cigarette and passing it to Remus' lips. "What about you, Wormy?"
"Seventh Year?" said Peter groaning miserably. "It's going to be painful – all swotting and stress and exams and me desperately seeking a girlfriend without success. I think I'll have to drink my way through it!"
"It makes me see what I want to see
And be what I want to be
When I think more than I want to think
Do things I should never do
I drink much more that I ought to drink
Because it brings me back to you."(4)
"Wow, Peter!" said Lily. "That was beautiful, you're amazing!"
"Thanks Lily, that's Lilac Wine," Peter said, lapping up the attention and feeling more positive.
"Which leaves me," said Sirius, yawning elegantly and pulling the collar of his new black polka dot shirt up so that it peeked out over his leather jacket.
Peter caught Lily and Remus' eyes and winked.
"We already know the perfect song for you, Pads!" he chuckled. "Ready? On the count of three…"
"They seek him here, they seek him there
His clothes are loud, but never square
It will make or break him so he's got to buy the best
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion"(5)
"Fuck off with that damned song again!" said Sirius, looking offended as the singing disintegrated into howling laughter
"Fuck The Kinks!" said Sirius, pouting again, lifting his head back and exhaling as he looked up at Remus.
"Oh I don't know," said Remus, his voice low as he stroked Sirius' hair and brushed his finger to his lips. "I think you'd like some of their stuff…"
The alcohol had made him less reserved, and the thought of not seeing his boyfriend for a whole month while the Potters went to Italy made him feel bolder. He began singing quietly, in his low, melodious voice, Welsh accent accentuated.
"See, don't ever set me free
I always want to be by your side
Boy, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night
Yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I don't know what I'm doin', now
Oh yeah, you really got me now
You got me so I can't sleep at night
You Really Got Me
You Really Got Me
You Really Got Me"(6)
Peter's guitar strummed beautifully as Sirius gazed at Remus in wonder and licked his dry lips.
"He's looking a bit starstruck for Moony!" smirked James. "Don't tell me you've managed to render Pads speechless? Surely a first!"
They all looked at Sirius who hadn't moved. He opened his mouth to reply but no words came out. He stood up slowly and held out his hand for Remus.
"Where are we going?" Remus asked, aware that all eyes were on them.
"I'm tempted to wolf-whistle!" called Peter, catching James' eye.
James immediately did just that, as Lily threw twigs at them laughing. Sirius pulled Remus' hand and raced them to the far corner of the beach, pulling them both over the wet rocks and onto the far side.
"Sirius, what," began Remus laughing, but was cut short by Sirius kissing him desperately.
"Am I that obvious?" Sirius said, pulling away momentarily to catch his breath.
"Pardon?" said Remus, breathlessly, looking confused.
"The lyrics, that's me to a tee, I can't fucking sleep at all, you wanker!" he sighed into Remus' lips. "It's all your fault!"
"It was meant to be me, thinking of you - the song was about you, you blockhead!" said Remus, pressing Sirius closer with a searing kiss.
"I'm going to miss you so much," Sirius said, kissing him back. "I don't know if I can stand it! We haven't even been on a bloody proper date, or had any time alone even!"
"You're the one leaving," said Remus.
"Don't you dare forget me, Remus John Lupin!" said Sirius. "Or find someone else!"
"Merlin, Sirius, you're going to bloody Italy and I'm going back to a cottage in Wales in the middle of nowhere! I foresee few distractions! You on the other hand look like fucking Adonis and," said Remus smiling.
"Who?" interrupted Sirius.
"Hot Greek bloke," said Remus dismissively.
"Fuck the Greeks, I'm going to come back and talk French and Italian at you, wearing this leather jacket, you hear?" said Sirius, his grey eyes flashing.
"Oh really?" said Remus, trying to pretend that didn't excite him in the least. "Well let me tell you what I'm going to say to you when you get back."
He leaned into Sirius and whispered in his ear. Sirius' eyes grew wide and his hands gripped Remus' arms as he listened.
"Merlin!" he said breathlessly. "You're wicked, Moony! I'm not even sure what all of it means but there's no way I'm not going to be able to wait that long!"
…..
His back was against the dark rocks, the rockpools reflecting the starlight. He wanted to tell Remus he loved him.
"I feel dizzy," said Sirius, catching his breath and looking up at the night sky as he pressed Remus closer. "It must be the stars."
Nobody had ever told him they loved him. Except for James and his parents, who were all into expressing their emotions and shit, and did love him.
And he had never said it to anyone. His entire life.
Remus stroked his high cheekbone and sighed.
"The brightest star," he said in a low voice.
"Soppy git," Sirius grinned back.
He couldn't tell Remus.
"I feel dizzy," he repeated instead, fisting his hands into Remus' shirt, as though afraid he might disappear any minute. "Er, this Adonis fellow, he doesn't happen to hang out in Wales, does he?"
"Sweet Merlin!" laughed Remus, leaning towards him. "How can you be such an idiot!"
"Yes but your idiot! What did you call me? Your alluring, bewitching, captivating idiot? And don't you forget it!" said Sirius, overcome with longing.
By the time they returned, the other three were fast asleep inside their sleeping bags, and the fire had gone out, Lily's arm protectively slung over James.
….
The summer passed in a riot of colour and love-letters and owls and a rare meeting, and before they knew it, September 1st had arrived.
Kings Cross Station was particularly jammed that year. Their last year at Hogwarts. It felt strange to be the oldest students there. And to be split up. James, Lily and Remus had gone to the Prefects' Meeting. Sirius and Peter were sharing a compartment with Dorcas and Emma, who were feeling a bit glum about Mary leaving. Sirius had been feeling restless. With Remus and James gone, he felt it more keenly. He had a desperate urge to speak to Reg, to see if he had received his owl, and find out if they were on speaking terms. To make sure he had survived the summer. He had walked down the length of the train, past the Slytherin carriages, twice, but no sight nor sound of him. He began to worry, guilt gnawing at him. What if something had happened to him, his little brother?
"Wormy, I'm just popping out to speak with someone. Nothing important, back in a mo," he said, smiling casually at Peter. "If Remus gets back while I'm gone, tell him I've gone to chat up some smashing Italian fellow, alright?"
He winked at Peter and at the two surprised girls, before heading off.
"Are they? Is he?" asked Dorcas, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Er, yeah, pretty much," said Peter, flushing with embarrassment.
"Wow!" said Emma. "I didn't know! That's fantastic news! I mean I wasn't expecting it, what with Mary and him…"
"Yeah, same," said Peter, cringing inwardly.
"No wonder he was looking so happy earlier, I thought he might have a new girlfriend!" she continued. "Well, I wish him well. Remus is a great guy and I think they'll suit each other."
"Yeah, brilliant news!" said Dorcas, more quietly.
Peter thought that in actual fact she seemed slightly put out by the news. Typical, the girl he fancies seemed to like Sirius Black by the looks of things. Godric's gonads….
"It's wonderful that you and Potter are so supportive of them! I know a hell of a lot of students wouldn't be," said Emma, smiling at Peter enthusiastically.
"Yeah, we really ship them!" said Peter, grinning back.
"You guys are the best of friends, I really admire that about you!" gushed Emma.
Peter smiled sweetly and thanked his lucky stars for his impressive acting abilities.
Merlin, he didn't know what was going on half the time these days. One minute his two friends were pureblood, aristocratic, popular ladies-men (well, Sirius was anyway). Next thing, Sirius had been blasted off the family tree, disinherited and now gay. Gay? He didn't particularly have a thing against people who weren't heterosexual, but he presumed his friends would have, being purebloods? Personally, he did think it was a bit weird and unnatural. But he probably wouldn't have said all that homophobic stuff to Sirius if he hadn't presumed the others were thinking like that. And now he'd have to put up with Remus and Sirius being all soppy and pathetic. He wasn't very happy about it.
And James was going out with Lily and was clearly head over heels in love with her. And he could tell she was equally smitten. He had thought it might be the thrill of the chase. That James might want to sleep with her he could well imagine, and he doubted they had gone that far to date. In his opinion she was very hot, he might have fancied her himself except that she was too sassy for him, and out of his league. But something serious? He just hadn't expected James to fall so hard and stay smitten with someone so… dare he think it, well… beneath him. Why would James bother with her, when he could have gone out with any number of rich, pureblood beauties? Especially in this political climate? It was stupid.
Perhaps the worst thing of all was the fact that the Marauders had come to the attention of he-who-must-not-be-named. Dumbledore had praised him for his role in rescuing James and Lily but had severely cautioned against mentioning it to anyone. Dumbledore thought Voldemort would be very embarrassed by the entire episode, possibly even acting as though it had never happened. Peter was massively relieved to hear that, but… he had relished the opportunity of basking in the limelight – a hero – who had defied Voldemort? Imagine how many girls would have seen him in a new light? How many would have been interested in going on a date with him? A stud, a Gryffindor hero…
Instead, nothing. Nada. Zilch.
It was alright for the others – Lames and Blasted Wolf** - as he had started calling them in his head. Yeah sure, his friends said he was a gifted actor, musician and singer, a fabulous mimic, had a great sense of humour, had beautiful eyes (Merlin, was James embarrassing at times!), that he was loyal and brave and a fantastic friend. That he would no doubt find a girlfriend soon. But that wasn't how he felt about himself.
He sighed and opened his bag again, taking out some more money. He knew one thing that would cheer him up, if only in the short term.
"Anyone want anything from the trolley witch? I'm starving," he said.
…..…..
Sirius had jumped off the train and was now frantically searching the platform for his brother. Athletic and agile, he weaved elegantly in and out of the crowd, getting more and more agitated by the minute. Where was Reg? Had something happened? Was he dead? He spotted a few of his least favourite students running for the Hogwarts Express and side-stepped hurriedly, walking smack bang into a woman and tripping over her foot, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"How dare you!" he heard her say.
"Fuck!" he said, touching his cheek and wincing as he spotted blood on his hand.
"Frightfully sorry," he began, looking up at her and gasping with fright when he saw her face.
"Sirius," she said.
Her cold mocking tones sending a chill down his spine. He started crawled backwards, unable to tear his gaze away, as his hand reached into his pocket to retrieve his wand.
"Frightened of your dear Mamma?" she laughed scornfully, towering above him. "How did you end up in Gryffindor, you coward!"
He wanted his legs to move, he was willing himself to stand up, but his body wasn't responding.
"Where's Reg?" he asked instead, gripping his wand.
His voice sounded small and lost.
"Regulus is no concern of yours," she said, her grey eyes filled with loathing. "He wants nothing to do with you. Ask him yourself if you don't believe me. He no longer considers you his brother. He will not even deign you with an answer if you attempt to speak to him."
Burning rage sparked in Sirius then, and he stood up shaking, wand at his side.
"Well he is my brother, whether he likes it or not!"
"I don't think so, Sirius," said Walburga, her bright smile unnerving him. "I thought James Potter was your brother now? Sweet little James and his lovely little parents, your new family?"
Something about her tone made his hair stand on end.
"They are. Stay the fuck away from them!" he said hoarsely, pointing his wand at her, as sparks of magic flared from the tip of the wand.
"Language dear!" said Walburga sweetly, bringing her elegant hand up to her lips in feigned shock. "We shall certainly be staying well away from those blood traitors, we wouldn't be caught dead anywhere near revolting scum like them. But fate, I fear, may have other plans for your mudblood-loving family. If anything bad should happen this year, there is one thing I want you to remember – listen very carefully."
She walked slowly towards him, her head held high and her eyes flashing. She brought her gloved hand up and cupped his chin roughly, forcing him to look at her.
"If you had not run away, Darling, if they hadn't taken you in, none of this would have happened. You are to blame. If the Potter's lives are ruined, it will be entirely your doing. They will rue the day they ever met you, Sirius. They will all wish you had never been born, as I do. It will all have been your fault."
...
*Lucifer matches are a type of match that was popular in the 20th century, including during WWI. They had a few issues such as having a violent reaction when lit and an unsteady flame (for some reason that seemed relevant to Remus' song…).
** Lames - as in, James and Lily (and it sounded a bit lame?) and Blasted Wolf (as in, blasted off the tapestry and werewolf, as well as a bit irritating?)
Notes:
I'm back to work tomorrow and with family illnesses still ongoing, I may be a bit slow to post next chapter, but I'll do my best!